How Windows to Go can protect data for business travelers

Often, Microsoft presents technological solutions to problems experienced by only a tiny percentage of its customer base. Windows to Go was like that — a nice solution to a problem that was virtually non-existent back when it was first released in 2011. Six years later, though, Microsoft is looking prescient, since its solution fits a new problem that a lot more people want solved.

What is Windows to Go? It’s a way to take a Windows installation with you on a USB thumb drive. You pop that thumb drive into any computer, boot from the USB, and your personalized installation of Windows — with all of your applications and files and access to corporate resources — is there. When finished, shut down, unplug the USB thumb drive, and away you go. It’s essentially portable Windows.

Often, Microsoft presents technological solutions to problems experienced by only a tiny percentage of its customer base. Windows to Go was like that — a nice solution to a problem that was virtually non-existent back when it was first released in 2011. Six years later, though, Microsoft is looking prescient, since its solution fits a new problem that a lot more people want solved.

What is Windows to Go? It’s a way to take a Windows installation with you on a USB thumb drive. You pop that thumb drive into any computer, boot from the USB, and your personalized installation of Windows — with all of your applications and files and access to corporate resources — is there. When finished, shut down, unplug the USB thumb drive, and away you go. It’s essentially portable Windows.